Choosing a Cabin on a Cruise Ship

The following are major points to consider when choosing a cabin on a cruise ship:

Older ship versus newer ship:

Older ships often have propeller engines while newer ships have quieter engines, so if you are on an older ship, try to pick a cabin not in the aft (back) section of the ship and not over or near the propeller shafts. A general rule of thumb is to avoid cabins in the back 20% of older ships.

If you are on a smaller ship and prone to being seasick:

Then you want to pick a cabin in the middle of the ship and as low a deck as you can. If you pick one up front you may feel the up and down motion more prominently in big waves.

If you are traveling with someone with a disability:

Some ships have better disability cabins than others, so check carefully and note the differences in size and access from the main decks. Some ships have no disability cabins at all, so before choosing your cruise line or ship make sure that they have the kind of cabin that will be most comfortable for those with a disability or in need of wheelchair access.

If the person you are traveling with has difficulty walking, is weak, or not in good shape, then choose a cabin as near as possible to the main staircase or elevator so they have the least amount of walking possible, even possibly near a lounge area so they only have to leave their room and make it to a nearby chair.

You might want to make absolutely sure that your cabin as access to room service with full meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner in case the person you are traveling with would prefer not to navigate the large dining spaces but rather take meals in the cabin or on your balcony.

If traveling as a family:

Sometimes booking a suite can actually be more cost effective than booking separate rooms for the members of your family. For example, family cabins on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Allure are big and sleep six, with a sleeper sofa for two, two twin beds, two Pullman bets, a nice seating area, and can be had with a balcony as well for extra room. In fact, most cruise ships have family-friendly cabins that will keep you together and easy to keep track of.

If you want the most toys and amenities in your cabin:

It is amazing how many cabins today have added options like private whirlpool tubs, balconies with dining areas, a personal butler, advanced sound systems, or in-room massage. Look for the newest ships catering to the youngest crowd to find these added gems.

If you want to spend a great deal of time in your cabin:

Whether for work reasons, or simply because you prefer to snuggle in and enjoy doing nothing more than enjoying your vacation in your cabin, size will be important. This is one of the most important reasons to seek out a price and size of cabin best suited to doing this. Having a balcony or veranda will expand immediately the amount of room you will have to move about. Even within the same price points, cabin sizes can be quite different, so take time to really examine your options within each price category.

If you want to spend the least amount of money possible on your cabin:

First of all is to ask for an inside cabin because these are normally the least expensive. Then within that range, try and secure the best one possible. Some ships offer cabins with “obstructed views” that are also a great value and worth asking about.

If you have traveled with the cruise line before:

Passengers that have cruised before on the ship or cruise line and who reserve and pay well in advance often receive priority on cabin upgrades, so this may be a point worth asking about.

If you want ultimate luxury:

Know that cruise ships today, especially the newer ones, have incredibly luxurious options open to you, from Royal Suites bigger than most people’s houses to duplexes and lofts.

Even the large non-luxury class ships offer extravagant over-the-top suites.
For instance, on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Allure ships you can book trendy loft suites that have the bedroom upstairs while downstairs holds the living area—all with a stunning huge expanse of window over the sea. For sheer luxury you can book the Royal Loft Suites which come with a whopping 1,500 square feet of living space plus a huge outdoor balcony with private whirlpool and dining area.

More and more cruise ships are being fitted with fantasy or even home-size suites, so make sure to look at all the cruise lines, not just the luxury ones.

If you want to avoid noise:

Cabin choice becomes crucial if you have booked one of the huge mega ships. For instance, on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Allure, if you book a cabin lower down with an inside view, you will hear all the noise from the people in the entertainment area running down the center of the ship. Some may love this. Others may want to book much higher up in the ship, and if you want peace and quiet, book a cabin with a sea view instead.

Other advice to avoid noise would be to not be located on the deck where entertainment, disco and clubs are located, or located right next to them. Avoid a cabin near an all-night food station or where people will be passing to get to the food areas. Incessant noise could be a deterrent from having a peaceful room.

And avoid a cabin on a deck where outside lounge chairs may be dragged back and forth all day and possibly night. Avoid a cabin near an elevator shaft.

The time of year can also affect the level of noise in the hallways. Think of Spring Break crowds of kids up late at night laughing and talking loudly outside your door. Think of school holidays for younger ones as well, when there will be a lot of children running up and down hallways. Try to plan your cruise around these times if noise levels will bother you.

Finally, avoid a cabin in the back of the ship on a low level as there might be noise and vibration from the engine.